Hazelnut And Fig Baked Brie Recipe

In this recipe, creamy Brie pairs with fresh figs and rosemary to create an excellent autumnal medley of flavors and textures, making it a must-try combo for all food enthusiasts. Recipe developer Milena Manolova describes this dish as "perfect for impressing guests or elevating an intimate dinner. It's a versatile choice. Serve it on a platter or incorporate it into a cheese and charcuterie board. Add crackers for dipping, and you have a stunning and crowd-pleasing appetizer that's easy to prepare."

The recipe incorporates an array of textures. The Brie is creamy and smooth, the fresh figs provide a tender, juicy bite, and the roasted, chopped hazelnuts add a nutty depth and buttery crunch to the dish. The fresh rosemary adds a fragrant and earthy element. Its aromatic qualities not only enhance the overall flavor but also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Brie.

While it looks and tastes high-end, it's very easy to prepare. You can assemble it in a short amount of time, making it a convenient choice for both experienced and novice home cooks.

You just need a few ingredients to make this delicious dish. Start with the Brie, some fresh sprigs of rosemary, and delicious fig jam (homemade or store-bought). Don't forget the fresh figs, as they add freshness with a bright sweetness. The roasted, chopped hazelnuts add a crunchy texture, and the honey adds another level of sweetness. 

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Place the Brie in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.

Make a few cuts through the top skin of the Brie.

Place the strings of rosemary inside the cutouts.

Spread the fig jam on top.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey.

Place the Brie on a serving dish. Slice fresh figs and place them around the cheese.

Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top and drizzle with honey.

Serve with a choice of crackers, bread, or crostini.

While this hazelnut and fig baked Brie is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it's at its peak of gooey perfection, you can certainly do some prep work in advance to streamline your serving process. To strike a balance between convenience and taste, consider a two-step approach.

First, you can assemble the pre-baked Brie ahead of time. Place the Brie in an oven-save container (such as a casserole dish) and top it with the rosemary and fig jam. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep in the fridge. Then, when you're ready to serve, just uncover and transfer it to your preheated oven. Then as it cooks, make sure you have your figs, hazelnuts, and crackers ready. This way, you can present your guests with a warm, gooey, and delightful hazelnut and fig baked Brie without compromising on freshness.

Storing baked Brie in the fridge is a smart choice if you have any leftovers. You can keep baked Brie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before throwing it in there though, allow the cheese to cool down to room temperature. Then, to store the baked Brie, you have a couple of options: Either wrap the baked Brie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.

When it's time to reheat your stored baked Brie, place a small portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-20-second intervals until it becomes soft and gooey. Be cautious not to overheat the cheese, as it can become too runny and turn into a messy puddle (albeit a delicious one). Alternatively, you can reheat your oven to 350 F, and place the Brie on an oven-safe dish. Heat it for about 10 minutes or just until it's warm and soft.

When it comes to serving baked Brie, you have a world of delicious options to complement its creamy, savory goodness. While crostini and crackers are classic accompaniments that offer a satisfying crunch and neutral base, there are plenty of other delectable choices to consider.

Pairing baked Brie with fresh fruits (such as the figs in this recipe) is a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Slices of ripe pears, crisp apples, or even juicy grapes can also provide a sweet and juicy counterpoint to the rich, melted cheese. For an equally fresh twist, consider offering an array of crudite. Slices of cucumber and celery sticks add a refreshing crunch, while colorful bell pepper strips provide a mild contrast to the creamy Brie and sweet jam.

If you're looking to create a more substantial spread, include a selection of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or smoked sausages. The combination of salty and savory meats with the creamy Brie is always a crowd-pleaser.